COMMON ALPACA TERMS
Alpaca - a native South American animal that is part of the camelid family largely found in Bolivia, Chile, Peru.
Cria - a baby alpaca.
Dam - a female alpaca.
Fiber - the hair on an alpaca.
Genotype - an alpaca's genetics.
Herd - a group of alpacas.
Huacaya - a breed of alpaca with fiber that pulls tight and crimps at their body.
Humming - the way alpacas communicate.
Phenotype - alpaca appearance.
Shear - the process of removing fiber from an alpaca.
Sire - a male alpaca.
Spinning - the process of turning fiber into yarn.
Suri - a breed of alpaca with fiber that hangs in locks from their body to the ground.
INTERESTING ALPACA FACTS
* Alpacas are native to South American countries: Bolivia, Chile and Peru.
*In the 1980's the United States began to import the first alpacas but, the U.S. no longer allows alpaca importation.
*Outside the United States, alpacas can be found on farms in Africa, Australia, Canada, Europe and New Zealand.
*There are more than 3 million alpacas in the world.
*In the United States there are more than 50 thousand registered alpacas all over the 50 states.
*Today the U.S. alpaca industry is focused on breeding.
*A male reaches full maturity between their second and third birthday, while a female reaches full maturity around 18 months to two years.
*An alpaca has a single baby after 11 months of pregnancy.
*A full grown alpaca is 3 feet tall (at the shoulders) and weighs between 100 and 225 lbs., and lives for about 15 to 20 years.
*A person might be spit at by an alpaca if they corner it or pose a threat to the alpaca. Most of the time, alpacas only spit at one another if one is challenging another's food or offspring.
*Alpacas have padded feet with two toes. Toenails are trimmed often (every few months).
*Alpacas only have bottom teeth; the top of their mouth consists of a hard gum (similar to a human baby).
*Alpacas graze on grass in fenced pastures. The fences are used to keep out predators such as coyotes, foxes, etc.
*One fenced acre is perfect for 6 to 10 alpacas.
*Besides grass, alpacas eat hay, pellets and mineral suplements as a secondary food source. Alpacas must have free access to water each day.
*The vet will make farm visits for monthly and yearly shots (if a breeder does not give those vaccinations themselves). A vet might also be needed in the event of an emergency or following the birth of a newborn to give a physical exam.
*When an alpaca is born, the breeder will register it with the Alpaca Registry, Inc. The alpaca is then given a birth certificate which lists the names of the parents as well as older generations.
*Alpacas are purchased with contracts which are signed and dated by the seller and the buyer. They identify the alpaca by name and registration number, the list price of the animal, and included promises about the health and breeding qualities of the alpaca.
*To showcase a farm's alpacas, many farms take place in contests/shows.
*In additions to contests, breeders may join associations to meet each other and promote the alpaca industry.
*Alpaca fiber comes in 22 natural colors that range from white to true black with varying shades of fawn (beige), brown, mahogany, grey, and black in between. The fiber has no lanolin and is softer than cashmere.
*Sheering is done by hand or electric sheers and takes about 20 minutes per alpaca. This is done in the spring to keep the animals cool in summer. Each alpaca produces 5 to 10 pounds of fiber, which may then be spun and used as yarn.
TIME LINE
1984:
* First importation of Huacaya alpacas into the U.S. from Chile.
1986:
*The Alpaca Committee of the International Llama Association (ILA) was formed in Kalispell, Montana.
1987:
*Alpaca blood-type identification pioneered by scientists at the University of California, Davis. The International Llama Registry (ILR) began issuing alpaca specific registration paperwork.
*The Alpaca Committee of the ILA became the Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association (AOBA).
1993:
*AOBA membership reached 450 farms and ranches.
*Alpaca imports from Peru commenced with a major sale in Charlevoix, Michigan.
*AOBA developed an Alpaca Library. Public libraries have little, if any, information about alpacas. With this library, members can check out books, videos, magazines, and articles through the mail on a wide range of subjects including medical/health, nutrition/feed, fiber, business management, behavior/breeding, showing/training and much more.
1994:
*In November, the association introduced its quarterly newsletter, "The Hummer", to supplement the growing need for information in addition to the "Alpacas Magazine." In 1996, "The Hummer" publication was increased from 4 to 6 issues a year.
*Alpaca sale in Michigan once again very popular with a lively event over three days.
*AOBA membership reached 700.
1997:
*First ARI/AOBA jointly-sponsored Mid-Winter Conference held in Phoenix, Arizona.
*Responsibility for alpaca health care research transferred from AOBA to ARI.
*The Alpaca Fiber Cooperative of North America (AFCNA) formally incorporated.
1998:
*AOBA Breeder's Guide (later renamed "Farm and Ranch Guide") debuted.
*ARI formed the Alpaca Research Trust, Inc. as a non-profit corporation, thus allowing tax-deductible contributions toward alpaca research by donors.
2000:
*In the Fall of 2002 AOBA formally adopted its own Alpaca Certified Show system (independent of the Alpaca & Llama Show Association) and created its own Show Division. The Show Division began effective January 1, 2001. AOBA grows to more than 2,000 members.
*Alpacas Magazine received first of five international Crystal Communicator Awards.
*Alpaca sales and membership continues to grow.
2001:
*A consolidation proposal between the Alpaca Registry, Inc. (ARI) and AOBA was voted on by each organization's membership. The proposal was defeated and ARI & AOBA remain as seperate organizations today.
*Alpacas Magazine attained commercial distribution in Barnes & Noble and other bookstore chains.
*Flurry of record-breaking auction prices for alpacas as the quest for premier studs continues.
*AOBA Education Committee formed, with a mission to provide quality education and professional development opportunities to AOBA members.
2002:
*AOBA established a "fiber initiative" to integrate the promotion of fiber products into the AOBA national marketing program and created the first "Fiber to Fashion" Winter National Conference (January 30-February 1, 2003).
*AOBA has grown to more than 3,000 members.
*ARF became independent from ARI as the research mission continued to grow.
2005:
*AOBA membership exceeds 4,100 members.
*AOBA severs ties to Association Headquarters and established its own national office with a full-time staff in Nashville, TN.
*AOBA holds National Conference in Salt Lake City, UT.
*Alpacas Magazine receives additional distribution through Tractor Supply Corporation stores.
*Farm and Ranch Guide expands to add a new section -- the Industry Resource Guide -- which offers a publication for suppliers to the industry.
2006:
*Alpacas Magazine established as a stand alone publication available by subscription.
*AOBA holds National Conference in Louisville, KY -- the largest alpaca event in history.
*Regional conferences and a National conference debate and develop draft breed standards for Huacaya and Suri circulated to the membership.
*AOBA holds Fiber to Fashion event in Reno, NV.
*AOBA designates the last weekend in September to host alpaca open houses around the nation to launch in 2007 as National Alpaca Farm Day by proclamation.
TIME LINE
1984:
* First importation of Huacaya alpacas into the U.S. from Chile.
1986:
*The Alpaca Committee of the International Llama Association (ILA) was formed in Kalispell, Montana.
1987:
*Alpaca blood-type identification pioneered by scientists at the University of California, Davis. The International Llama Registry (ILR) began issuing alpaca specific registration paperwork.
*The Alpaca Committee of the ILA became the Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association (AOBA).
1993:
*AOBA membership reached 450 farms and ranches.
*Alpaca imports from Peru commenced with a major sale in Charlevoix, Michigan.
*AOBA developed an Alpaca Library. Public libraries have little, if any, information about alpacas. With this library, members can check out books, videos, magazines, and articles through the mail on a wide range of subjects including medical/health, nutrition/feed, fiber, business management, behavior/breeding, showing/training and much more.
1994:
*In November, the association introduced its quarterly newsletter, "The Hummer", to supplement the growing need for information in addition to the "Alpacas Magazine." In 1996, "The Hummer" publication was increased from 4 to 6 issues a year.
*Alpaca sale in Michigan once again very popular with a lively event over three days.
*AOBA membership reached 700.
1997:
*First ARI/AOBA jointly-sponsored Mid-Winter Conference held in Phoenix, Arizona.
*Responsibility for alpaca health care research transferred from AOBA to ARI.
*The Alpaca Fiber Cooperative of North America (AFCNA) formally incorporated.
1998:
*AOBA Breeder's Guide (later renamed "Farm and Ranch Guide") debuted.
*ARI formed the Alpaca Research Trust, Inc. as a non-profit corporation, thus allowing tax-deductible contributions toward alpaca research by donors.
2000:
*In the Fall of 2002 AOBA formally adopted its own Alpaca Certified Show system (independent of the Alpaca & Llama Show Association) and created its own Show Division. The Show Division began effective January 1, 2001. AOBA grows to more than 2,000 members.
*Alpacas Magazine received first of five international Crystal Communicator Awards.
*Alpaca sales and membership continues to grow.
2001:
*A consolidation proposal between the Alpaca Registry, Inc. (ARI) and AOBA was voted on by each organization's membership. The proposal was defeated and ARI & AOBA remain as seperate organizations today.
*Alpacas Magazine attained commercial distribution in Barnes & Noble and other bookstore chains.
*Flurry of record-breaking auction prices for alpacas as the quest for premier studs continues.
*AOBA Education Committee formed, with a mission to provide quality education and professional development opportunities to AOBA members.
2002:
*AOBA established a "fiber initiative" to integrate the promotion of fiber products into the AOBA national marketing program and created the first "Fiber to Fashion" Winter National Conference (January 30-February 1, 2003).
*AOBA has grown to more than 3,000 members.
*ARF became independent from ARI as the research mission continued to grow.
2005:
*AOBA membership exceeds 4,100 members.
*AOBA severs ties to Association Headquarters and established its own national office with a full-time staff in Nashville, TN.
*AOBA holds National Conference in Salt Lake City, UT.
*Alpacas Magazine receives additional distribution through Tractor Supply Corporation stores.
*Farm and Ranch Guide expands to add a new section -- the Industry Resource Guide -- which offers a publication for suppliers to the industry.
2006:
*Alpacas Magazine established as a stand alone publication available by subscription.
*AOBA holds National Conference in Louisville, KY -- the largest alpaca event in history.
*Regional conferences and a National conference debate and develop draft breed standards for Huacaya and Suri circulated to the membership.
*AOBA holds Fiber to Fashion event in Reno, NV.
*AOBA designates the last weekend in September to host alpaca open houses around the nation to launch in 2007 as National Alpaca Farm Day by proclamation.
